Statement-permission for a minor child to travel abroad without parents: a detailed guide

The departure of a minor child abroad without the accompaniment of parents or one of them is a responsible step that requires proper document processing. One of the key documents in such a case is the statement-permission for the child's departure. This article will help you understand what this document is, when it is needed, how to properly issue it, and what nuances to consider when crossing the border.

What is a statement-permission for a child's departure?

A statement-permission for a minor child to travel abroad is a notarized document that grants one of the parents (or legal representatives) the right to allow their child to leave Ukraine without their personal presence. This document confirms the parents' consent for the child's departure and their stay abroad for a certain period.

When is a statement-permission needed?

This document becomes necessary in the following cases:

• The child travels abroad with one parent, and the other remains in Ukraine.
• The child travels with third parties (relatives, teachers, coaches, tour operators, etc.).
• The child travels independently (e.g., for study or exchange programs).

It is important to note that consent is only required when the child is leaving Ukraine. For travel within Ukraine, such a document is not required.

How to issue a statement-permission at a notary?

The statement-permission is issued by a notary. The procedure is relatively simple but requires certain documents:

Required documents:

• Passport of a citizen of Ukraine (original) of the parent giving permission.
• Identification code (original).
• Child's birth certificate (original).
• Child's passport for traveling abroad (original, if available).
• If the parents are not married, a document confirming this may be required (e.g., divorce certificate, court decision on deprivation of parental rights of one parent, death certificate of one parent, certificate of absence of the father, etc.).

Issuance procedure:

1. Contact any notary in Ukraine.
2. Provide the notary with all necessary documents.
3. The notary will draft the statement-permission in accordance with legal requirements.
4. The parent giving permission signs the statement in the notary's presence.
5. The notary certifies the authenticity of the signature.

The statement-permission can be issued for the child's departure with one parent or with third parties. In this case, the details of the accompanying person are specified in the statement.

Document translation and notarization for the EU

For European Union countries that are parties to the Hague Convention, a notarized translation of documents from Ukrainian is often sufficient. This also applies to the statement-permission for the child's departure. The translation must be done by a qualified translator and certified by a notary.

When might an apostille be needed?

An apostille is a special stamp placed on official documents for their legalization in countries that are parties to the Hague Convention. Although a notarized translation is usually sufficient for a child's departure for short-term trips (vacation, study, competitions), an apostille may be required in cases where the document requires a higher level of legalization.

For example, an apostille may be necessary for:

• Registering the child at a place of residence in another country.
• Processing documents for long-term stay or residency.
• Recognition of documents in educational or medical institutions that require apostilled documents.

The apostille procedure is carried out by the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine. It is important to clarify the requirements of the destination country regarding the necessity of apostilling documents in advance.

Consular legalization

If the country the child is traveling to is not a party to the Hague Convention, consular legalization may be required for document legalization. This is a more complex procedure that involves sequential certification of the document by the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, and the consulate of the respective country in Ukraine.

Legislative aspects

The legal grounds for issuing a statement-permission for a child's departure abroad are regulated by the Family Code of Ukraine and the Rules for issuing departure from Ukraine for citizens of Ukraine, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. In particular, Article 153 of the Family Code of Ukraine defines the rights of parents regarding the representation of the child's interests, and the Rules establish the procedure for processing documents for departure abroad.

Conclusion

Issuing a statement-permission for a minor child to travel abroad is an important step in preparing for a trip. Careful adherence to the procedure and the availability of all necessary documents ensure a calm and safe journey for your child. Always check the current requirements of the destination country and, if necessary, seek advice from notaries or lawyers.